TOP 5 WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS YOU MIGHT EXPERIENCE AT IVANSCAMPGROUND
Ivanscampground sits tucked into the western edge of the Bridger-Teton National Forest, where the Hoback River carves a green ribbon through sagebrush flats and lodgepole pine. The campground itself is small—just 42 sites—but the wildlife corridor it interrupts is anything but. Elk herds move through in spring and fall, black bears nose along the riverbanks at dawn, and moose wade into the shallows to strip willow leaves. If you pitch your tent here, you’re not just renting a patch of dirt; you’re buying a front-row seat to one of the most intact ecosystems left in the Lower 48.
Below are the five animals you’re most likely to see, ranked by frequency and drama. Each entry explains where and when to look, what behavior to watch for, and how to stay safe while you do.
ELK: THE DAILY PARADE
Elk are the campground’s most reliable show. From late September through October, the bugle of a bull elk can wake you at 4 a.m. like a rusty trumpet. These animals move in herds of 20–150, often crossing the campground road at dusk or dawn. Look for them in the open meadows east of sites 12–24; the grass there is short and sweet, perfect for grazing.
Watch for cows with calves in May and June. The calves are wobbly and curious, sometimes wandering within 30 feet of tents. Never approach—cows will charge if they feel threatened. Instead, sit still and let the herd come to you. A spotting scope on a tripod turns a casual glance into a wildlife documentary.
MOOSE: THE SOLITARY GIANTS
Moose are loners, so sightings feel like a private gift. They prefer the river corridor, especially where the Hoback slows into deep pools. Scan the water for dark shapes that look like floating logs; moose can submerge up to their eyeballs while feeding on aquatic plants.
The best time is July through September, when the willows are lush. Dawn and dusk are prime, but moose are active all night. If you hear a loud splash or see ripples moving against the current, grab your binoculars. A bull in velvet is a breathtaking sight—antlers can span five feet and weigh 40 pounds.
Remember: moose are unpredictable. Give them at least 50 yards. If one lays its ears back or licks its lips, it’s telling you to back off. Retreat slowly; running can trigger a chase.
BLACK BEARS: THE SHADOWS AT DAWN
Black bears are common but rarely seen in daylight. They patrol the campground edges at first light, sniffing for food scraps or coolers left unsecured. The best way to spot one is to wake early, brew coffee, and sit quietly near the river. Listen for twigs snapping or the soft huff of a bear exhaling.
Bears here are mostly black, but some are cinnamon or even blonde. Cubs stay with their mothers for 18 months, so if you see a sow, look for one or two small shadows trailing her. Never feed or approach—even a cub can inflict serious injury.
Store all food, trash, and toiletries in the bear-proof lockers provided at each site. If a bear enters your site, make noise from a safe distance. Bang pots or shout; most will leave. If one stands on its hind legs, it’s not attacking—it’s just trying to get a better sniff.
BALD EAGLES: THE RIVER’S TOP HUNTERS
Bald eagles nest in the cottonwoods along the Hoback, especially near the campground’s northern boundary. They’re easiest to spot in winter, when the river stays open and fish are sluggish. Look for white heads perched high in the trees or soaring in lazy circles overhead.
Spring and fall bring migrating waterfowl, which eagles hunt. Watch for a sudden splash followed by a flurry of wings—eagles often snatch trout or ducklings right off the water. A pair of binoculars reveals the fierce yellow eyes and hooked beak.
Eagles are protected, so keep at least 330 feet away. If you’re fishing, release any hooked eagle immediately—cut the line if necessary. Disturbing a nest can lead to hefty fines.
COYOTES: THE NIGHTTIME SERENADERS
Coyotes are the campground’s soundtrack. Their yips and howls start around 9 p.m. and can last until sunrise. They’re most active in spring, when pups are learning to hunt, and in fall, when elk calves are vulnerable.
Look for them in the open sagebrush flats west of the campground. They move like ghosts—low to the ground, ears pricked forward. If you’re lucky, you’ll see a family group playing near a den. Pups tumble over each other like overcaffeinated puppies.
Coyotes are curious but rarely aggressive. If one approaches your site, make yourself big and loud. Wave your arms and shout; they’ll usually bolt. Never feed them—habituated coyotes can become bold and may lose their fear of humans.
BOTTOM LINE: SHOULD YOU GO?
hoki178 link is a wildlife hotspot, but it’s not a zoo. The animals here are wild, and their behavior is unpredictable. If you’re comfortable with that reality, the rewards are immense: elk bugling at dawn, moose wading through mist, eagles diving for fish.
Book a site near the river for the best views. Arrive early—sites fill by noon in summer. Bring binoculars, a spotting scope if you have one, and a telephoto lens for your camera. Pack bear spray and know how to use it.
Most importantly, respect the animals’ space. Give them room, keep food secured, and leave no trace. Do that, and Ivanscampground will give you stories you’ll tell for years.